Happy Thursday, Van Buren!

There’s something special in the air this week — lights are turning on, holiday traditions are starting up, and the whole town is beginning to glow. We’ve got a full lineup for you today: tree lighting celebrations, local events, holiday guides, and ways to get involved all season long.

Let’s jump into what’s happening around our community this week. 🎄

Van Buren’s 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony returns to Freedom Park in downtown Van Buren on Friday, November 21.

This beloved local tradition invites families to come together for a fun-filled evening packed with holiday spirit.

Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot dogs, hot chocolate, candy canes, and festive Christmas at the Parks ornaments.

The celebration runs from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring a special countdown as the tree lights up the park at 7:00 PM.

Whether you’re making new memories or keeping up a favorite tradition, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in Van Buren.

🔔 Quick Hits Around Van Buren

• 🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting — This Friday!
  Freedom Park comes alive November 21 from 6–7:30 PM with cocoa, hot dogs, ornaments, and the big countdown at 7 PM.

• ✉️ Santa’s Mailbox at Fisher’s
  Kids can drop letters now through December 20 at Fisher’s on Main (606 Main St). They’ll get a personalized reply from Santa himself!

• 🚂 Train to Winslow — Fall Color Rides
  Catch one of the last scenic fall trips on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad before holiday schedules take over.

• 🎅 Christmas Train Starts Soon
  The popular holiday ride is gearing up for another magical season. Full schedule and kickoff date coming soon!

• Check MyRiverValleyEvents.com for more great happenings around the area.

The holiday season has arrived in Van Buren, bringing excitement for families and children.  

Santa's iconic red mailbox is now set up at Fisher’s on Main, waiting to collect letters from hopeful kids across the community.  

From now until December 20, you can drop off your child’s letter, and Santa will send a personalized reply — straight from the North Pole, filled with Christmas cheer and magic.  

This beloved tradition at Fisher’s, 606 Main Street, is a heartwarming way to start the season and share in the wonder of the holidays.  

Remember to include a return address so Santa can write back!

Holiday magic arrives this Friday, November 21, when Van Buren City Park lights up for the season’s first festive display.

Gather your family, bring your cocoa, and experience the dazzling walk-through light show starting at 6:00 PM and lasting until 11:00 PM.

The city-hosted event transforms 1300 City Park Rd into a vibrant winter wonderland, making it an ideal spot for a memorable outing or capturing that perfect seasonal photo.

With the entire park aglow, visitors of all ages can soak in the spirit of the holidays before the season gets busy.

Celebrate local joy and tradition at Van Buren’s annual holiday lights—where community, warmth, and sparkle shine brightest.

If you haven’t caught it yet, The Miracle Worker is running this weekend at the scenic King Opera House in downtown Van Buren.

Presented by Arts on Main and the Alma Education & Arts Foundation, the production brings Helen Keller’s inspiring story vividly to the stage.

Blakely Gramlich stuns as Helen Keller, while Micaleigh English brings depth to Annie Sullivan under the inventive direction of Jessye Wooten.

Local reviews have praised the cast’s emotional performances and the show’s thoughtful design by Logan Sloan.

Seating at this beloved historic venue is limited, so advance booking is encouraged for the remaining shows.

Tickets and details are available at skokospac.org or by calling 479-632-2129.

🔎 Looking for More Van Buren & River Valley Events?

Our full events calendar is updated daily with things to do across the River Valley — festivals, family activities, concerts, classes, holiday events, and more.

If it’s happening locally… it’s on the calendar.

👉 Browse All Events Here

MyRiverValleyEvents.com (or RvierValleyLocal.com/events)

The River Valley is aglow as neighborhoods light up and families create festive displays across Van Buren, Fort Smith, Alma, and beyond.

Enjoy the magic of the season with the River Valley Holiday Lights Map, a handy guide to local holiday displays, from dazzling neighborhood favorites to over-the-top decorated homes.

This map makes it easy to plan a merry drive with family, a cozy holiday date, or a fun outing with visitors.

Locals are invited to add their own decorated homes, yards, or businesses, no matter the size or style of display.

Sharing your address and a quick photo is all it takes to help brighten the community and create a joyous experience for everyone.

Help make the River Valley shine by joining this growing tradition and spreading holiday cheer all season long!

The holidays have arrived across the River Valley, and it’s time to showcase your brightest traditions and joyful moments.

Share your festive photos—lights, decorations, family gatherings, mouthwatering treats, or pets dressed up for the season—in the 2024 Holiday Photo Contest.

Whether you capture glowing Christmas lights, cozy nights at home, or neighborhood displays, every holiday memory counts.

Winners will be featured on the entire River Valley Local network, from Van Buren Buzz to Fort Smith Buzz, and receive shout-outs on Facebook—plus ultimate bragging rights throughout the community.

Enter by uploading your photo at go.rivervalleylocal.com/contest.

Selected photos will be spotlighted all December, so send yours soon and help us bring local holiday spirit to life.

Let’s celebrate together!

Thanksgiving is fast approaching in the River Valley, and locals have a variety of ways to celebrate, from dining out or reserving to-go feasts to joining free community meals.

The Living Thanksgiving Guide features a growing list of options including classic buffets at Prima Italia and Village Inn in Fort Smith, plus several spots offering smoked turkeys and holiday sides for pickup, like Rub ’Em Tender BBQ and Art’s BBQ & Grill.

Looking for a warm welcome? The Salvation Army, East Side Baptist Church, Gray Rock Community Center, Burger Barn in Muldrow, and The Bonanza Hangout are offering free community dinners open to all.

The guide is updated weekly—residents can contribute by sharing meal opportunities on Facebook.

Start planning now to ensure your Thanksgiving is delicious and community-filled, whether you’re gathering with friends, neighbors, or family.

As Thanksgiving week arrives and downtown Van Buren gears up for Friday’s Christmas Tree Lighting, locals are turning to Chapters on Main for warmth, comfort, and community.

Located in the heart of Main Street, this inviting independent bookstore and coffee shop has become a beloved gathering spot for neighbors and visitors alike.

Owned by Alison Goodwin and founded by Debbie and Alan Foliart, Chapters prioritizes a mission to be a welcoming “third place,” hosting everything from book clubs to friendly meetups.

With handcrafted Onyx Coffee, seasonal treats, and shelves stocked with new and used books—including works by local authors—the shop offers the perfect escape during the holiday bustle.

Whether you need a cozy corner before the annual Tree Lighting or are searching for a thoughtful holiday gift, Chapters on Main delivers nostalgic Main Street magic all season long.

Gallagher isn’t your typical exuberant pup — he’s a gentle soul facing the world with quiet caution.

Abandoned in a vacant home alongside his loyal friend Jennifer during a harsh winter, Gallagher learned to trust thanks to patient volunteers and Jennifer’s steady support.

After Jennifer’s passing, Gallagher became more reserved, but volunteers see flashes of hope and a heart eager to bond beneath his shy exterior.

This quiet companion thrives best in a calm, understanding home where patience and gentle routines are the norm.

Gallagher may take weeks or months to settle, but for those willing to move at his pace, he promises deep loyalty and love.

If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime friend who needs a second chance, Gallagher could be your perfect match.

🤝 Become a Holiday Sponsor — Just $49 for the Season!

Local businesses, this is the perfect time of year to get your name in front of the entire River Valley.

For just $49, you can become a Holiday Season Sponsor across our River Valley Local network.

That includes visibility in:

• Van Buren Buzz

• Fort Smith Buzz

• River Valley Fork

• River Valley Paws

• River Valley Healthy Living

• And our growing River Valley Events site

•  

Whether you’re a boutique, restaurant, service business, or holiday market pop-up, this is the most affordable way to reach thousands of locals during the busiest season of the year.

👉 Become a Sponsor (Holiday Special – $49)

Stay connected with your community!

Follow Van Buren Buzz on Facebook for daily updates, local events, holiday spotlights, fun engagement posts, and everything happening around town.

👉 facebook.com/vanburenbuzz

See you at the Christmas Tree Lighting!

Thanks for spending part of your morning with us — and for being part of a community that truly shines this time of year. Don’t forget to check back often at MyRiverValleyEvents.com for new holiday happenings, lights map updates, and everything going on around town.

Have a wonderful week, stay warm, and we’ll see you next Thursday! 🎄✨

Select visuals in this issue were created with AI to help illustrate local stories and seasonal themes.